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Cork planks are generally installed as floating floors (also called glueless floors). Most floated cork floors are milled
with interlocking joints on each tongue and groove. When installed, these joints lock together forming a solid floor.
The following instructions are for click and lock floating cork floors. Since there are a variety of click lock styles on
the market, always follow your manufacturer's specific installation information and only use these instructions as a
reference.
Tips and Tricks
- Most manufacturer's highly recommend using an additional cork or foam underlayment beneath all floated cork floors,
especially if one is not pre–attached. For more specific information about acceptable underlayments, see the full
Installing Cork Flooring guide on FindAnyFloor.com®.
- Consider calculating the number of rows of cork you'll need to complete your floor. If your first and last row are very
different widths (for example, your first row is 12" and your last row is 2") re–calculate so that these rows
are more equal.
- Scribe fit your first and last row to match any contours in the wall. This ensures your cork floor goes down straight
even if your walls are not.
- Stagger all joints 2–3 times the width of a cork plank for an even looking floor. Avoid H–joints whenever
possible.
- Follow your manufacturer's recommendations for board length (usually no less than 10") when starting new rows. (You
may be able to use the remainder of the plank you cut from the previous row.) Doing this helps ensure the joints are
staggered evenly.
- Never hit the cork flooring directly. Use a tapping block to move the cork planks into place, if approved by your
manufacturer.
- Many professional installers work from left to right, but always choose the direction that is most comfortable for you
or recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
Install the Underlayment
Install your moisture barrier and underlayment (if desired) according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Layout the plastic sheeting above the whole subfloor. Sheeting should overlap 8" at all seams and extend up walls
2". Secure the entire length of each seam with waterproof tape (such as duct tape).
- Layout the cork or foam underlayment so it is flush with all walls. Tape all seams together. Do not overlap. Avoid
placing underlayment seams directly on top of moisture barrier seams.
Install the First Row
Take extra time when installing the first row of floating cork. It is important that this row be straight even if the
walls are not.
- Along the longest wall, measure out your expansion spacing in at least two places and snap a chalk line.
- Lay out the cork planks but DO NOT click together yet. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations when choosing to face
the tongue or groove toward the wall. Add spacers to ensure your expansion spacing is adequate. Scribe fit planks where
needed to match wall contours. Make sure this row is completely straight.
- Once satisfied with the fit, click and lock the first row of cork flooring together. Planks should fit tightly together
to form an almost seamless floor.
- At the end of the wall, measure, cut, install and lock the last cork plank in place. Use a pull bar if needed to fit the
plank between the wall and the first row. Add a spacer at the end of the first row.
- Evaluate the first row to ensure it is straight and level. Adjust where needed.
Install the Main Part of the Floor
- Use a partial plank (10" or longer in length) to start the second row. If needed, cut a full plank in half and use
one half as your starter plank.
- Click and lock the cork plank to the first row.
- Work your way across the floor until you reach the last row. Place spacers along all walls to ensure adequate and equal
expansion spacing.
Install the Last Row
- Measure out your expansion spacing in at least two places and snap a chalk line.
- Lay out the last row of cork planks. Scribe fit (if necessary) so that the flooring matches the contours in the wall.
Make sure this last row is completely straight.
- Once satisfied with the fit, click and lock each plank in the last row together with the rest of the floor. Use a pull
bar (if needed) to fit planks between the wall and the floor.
- Evaluate the last row to ensure it is straight and level. Adjust where needed.
If your cork floor does not require a top coat finish, you can begin using the floor as soon as you've locked the last
plank in place.
Apply the Finish
Some manufacturers require that a top coat finish be applied to the whole floor once installed. This seals all seams and
helps protect the floor from moisture and wear. ALWAYS follow your manufacturer's instructions if a finish is required for
your floor. Not applying one may void your warranty.
- Sweep and/or vacuum the newly installed floor.
- Roll the recommended finish across the floor using a 3/8" foam roller. Apply one thick coat with long even strokes.
Overlap roller paths slightly to ensure the whole floor is covered. Do not over roll.
- Allow the finish to dry completely according to the manufacturer's recommendations (usually 4 hours to the touch and 24
hours to dry completely).
- Allow the whole floor to cure completely (usually 8 days). Follow all the manufacturer's recommendations during this
curing time.
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